“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is coming to the Lindsay Theater for seven performances.
The musical is set in ancient Rome on a street with three houses. In the center is the house of Senex (Jim Kliegl), who lives there with wife, Domina (Sara Zanini), son Hero (Jake Lomeli), and several slaves, including slave-in-chief Hysterium (John Kay) and the musical’s main character Pseudolus (Chris Shepard). One of the neighboring houses is owned by Marcus Lycus (George Pearce), who is a buyer and seller of beautiful women; the other belongs to the ancient Erronius (Jip Woudstra), who has been abroad for 20 years, searching for his long-lost children stolen in infancy by pirates.
While Senex and Domina are away on a trip, Hero spies the lovely Philia (Alli Smith), a courtesan in the House of Lycus, and falls madly in love. Pseudolus promises to help Hero win Philia’s love in exchange for his own freedom. Unfortunately, Philia has been sold to the renowned warrior Miles Gloriosus (TJ Hurt), who is expected to claim her very soon.
Pseudolus tells Lycus that the girl is suffering from the plague and offers to place her in Senex’s house until the captain arrives. Thus he is able to give Philia and Hero some time alone together, and the two fall in love. After many more twists and turns in the plot, the story comes to a fanciful but happy conclusion.
Performances start on Thursday, October 16, at 7:30pm. Other performances are October 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30pm, and October 19 at 2pm. Because of some adult themes, this play is not recommended for young children.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, and are available online at lindsaycommunitytheater.com and at the door on performance nights.